On Wednesday, American Legion Baseball Chairman Cody Beers released a statement on the use of a DE-certified bat by the Cody Cubs American Legion Baseball team.
In the release they said safety is our number one priority for all baseball players who play Legion baseball in Wyoming.
Sanctions have been imposed on Cody Coach Bart Grenz. Their will be no further comments issued by the Wyoming State Legion Board or Cody Legion Board.
Big Horn Radio Network reached out to Cody Beers and Coach Grenz who declined to comment.
During the Cody Cubs vs. Douglas Cats game at the State A tournament in Powell a couple weeks ago it was brought to Beers attention that the cubs were using the DE-certified bat. Beers then removed the bat from competition.
Cody would go on to win the State A Championship a couple days later.
According to the American Legion rule on page 7 of the 2020 rule book, the bat had not been modified and the bat did contain the BBCOR certification stamp, therefore, removal of the bat did not fall under the ruling.
Full Release Below:
The Wyoming State Legion Baseball Board of Directors has completed its investigation concerning the use of a decertified bat by the Cody Cubs Legion Baseball Team during the 2020 regular season and postseason.
Safety is our No. 1 priority for all baseball players who play Legion baseball in Wyoming.
Sanctions have been imposed on Cody Coach Bart Grenz. No further comments will be issued by the Wyoming State Legion Board or Cody Legion Board.
Cody Coach Bart Grenz’s statement: “I acknowledge that early in the season, I became aware that this bat was decertified for NCAA play for the 2020 season. I should have taken steps to discuss this issue with Commissioner Cody Beers and the Wyoming Legion Board to determine if they were aware of the NCAA decision regarding this bat. I should have not allowed its use until hearing back from them. Had I done this, the decertified bat would not have been used in a game. I did not take those steps and for that I am sorry. I take full responsibility and apologize for my lack of action before our team used this bat and all of the confusion it has caused. I accept any sanctions handed down by the Wyoming Legion Board.”
